David Colon

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do get them passed in the next legislative session?

This is a difficult question for me to answer, as many of the issues are important for me. However, if I must choose I would say:

- Reduce property taxes

- Education

- Create Jobs

I chose these because, these are the foundation to the solution of many other important issues such as women’s rights, health care, medical use of cannabis, increase of minimum wage, etc.

To solve the above mentioned issues, I plan to support proposals that charge a reasonable severance fee for the Marcelluse Shale drilling. This not only will significantly increase state funding, but will also cut property taxes and restore the severe cuts to public education carried out by the Governor.

What proposals, if any, do you support to lower the role of local property taxes to fund schools?

As a strong proponent of property tax relief, I will work across the aisle to bring relief to seniors, middle income families and all property owners by supporting a reasonable severance fee on the Marcelluse Shale drilling and through a new and fair funding formula, such as the one proposed by Tom Wolf.

This solution ensures students will receive a high quality education no matter where they live and could significantly reduce the burden of property tax for all Pennsylvanians.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

Yes, I do support the compassionate use of medical cannabis, as long as it is well controlled and regulated. I would start by using the bill introduced by Senators Leach and Folmer as a baseline.

Who are you supporting in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, and why?

Tom Wolf, of course! Because he is a savvy business man with a great plan. Most of all because although, he may be part of the 1% he truly cares and understands the needs of the rest of us in the 99%.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

Because I am an Army veteran and a Project Manager for a defense Company. As such I am problem solver NOT a politician.

Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?

Yes

Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?

Yes

Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?

No

Do you support any new restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

Yes

Do you support requiring all immigrants in the United States illegally to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

No

Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?

Yes

Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

Yes

Do you support any new restrictions on access to abortion?

No

Do you support same-sex marriage?

Yes

And now an easier question. Are you more of a Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies or Baltimore Orioles fan?

Phillies

Want to expand on your yes/no answers? Feel free to do so here.

- Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?
I do support it; however, we must not lose site of the prospect of creating a state wide program that will develop renewable energy, new opportunities for business and create good paying jobs.

- Do you support any new restrictions on access to abortion?
My wife and I never believe that abortion is the right solution, but I also believe that this very difficult decision should only be made by the mother, her spouse, her doctor, her pastor and God.

- And now an easier question. Are you more of a Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies or Baltimore Orioles fan?
I enjoy watching the Phillies play, but I have always been NY Mets fan since I was a kid.

Tom Corbett

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do to get them passed in the next session?

My main priorities are continuing to foster an environment where our economy can grow and create jobs, investing more wisely in our schools, accomplishing pension reform and liquor reform.
We have spent the last four years adding nearly 180,000 new private sector jobs and turning our economy around. We can continue that work by reducing burdens on the private sector, developing cheaper energy and reducing government waste to spend tax dollars more efficiently, rather than taking more out of small businesses’, families’ and individuals’ bottom lines.
Earlier this year, I signed legislation authorizing the Basic Education Funding Commission to gather input of educators, parents, legislators and other stakeholders on what a truly fair school funding formula would look like. I look forward to reviewing those recommendations in my second term so we can ensure the resources we have are getting to where they are most needed, while balancing the concerns of all of our school districts.
Pension reform is critical to freeing up further resources for the classroom. Today our underfunded liability nears $50 billion and more than twice our state budget at a cost of $12,000 per household. It’s not sustainable long-term and has caused many districts to continue to raise property taxes. We have a plan on the table now to put new employees into a 401 (k) style plan that won’t be the silver-bullet solution, but will begin the process of reform. Regardless of what the legislature does in the remaining days of this session, I have promised to call a special session early next year to bring everyone to the table in order to discuss meaningful long term solutions.
Finally, we have made more progress than any other administration in getting liquor reform passed, and delivering choice and convenience to Pennsylvania consumers. A bill was passed out of the House and is on the floor of the Senate, and if an agreement cannot be reached before the end of the session, I will continue to work with our members in order to ensure its passage in my second term.

Do you support any specific property tax reform proposals, and how will you attempt to pass them in the next four years?

I was proud to deliver in my first budget sweeping reforms that required school districts to have the approval of voters before implementing unnecessary property tax increases without examining their own costs. Of course, an exemption is pension costs, which is just one of the reasons why I have been urging the legislature to deliver on pension reform to provide relief to taxpayers and our schools. I understand and sympathize with the families and seniors affected by rising property taxes and hope that the recommendations by the Basic Education Funding Commission will also help us to alleviate growing costs as we consider other factors to more fairly distribute resources to our schools. My administration has also considered the impact of popular bills such as SB/HB 76 and similar plans that while they have merit, must be revenue neutral and not increase taxes elsewhere on our families and the private sector.

The York City School District is considering converting all or some district-run schools into charter schools, to be managed by outside operators, by the 2015-16 school year, as part of a recovery plan overseen by a state-appointed officer. Do you support the conversion of district-run schools to charter schools? And if not,what legislative or administrative alternatives will you propose or order in office?

We owe it to our children and their parents to support high quality schools and learning to provide the skills they need to be successful in a career and life.
Charter schools, which enroll nearly 130,000 students across the state, are an important part of the Commonwealth's public school system, and my administration is doing more to ensure they are of the highest quality, while holding them accountable to the taxpayers and those they serve. They provide viable educational choices for parents that may want to seek alternative learning opportunities within their local public school system. Specifically in York, charter schools have been an important part of the educational community.
I have always tried to afford the same flexibility that my administration has demanded from Washington and generally support the decisions that local governments decide will be best for their long-term outlook. If York County believes this is the best way to begin the recovery process, we are willing to offer our help and cooperation at the state level.
This cooperation has led to success elsewhere such as Harrisburg where we were able to work with local officials to reduce the city’s debt and ultimately remove them from state receivership. That experience as well as the input of charter schools can both be factors in helping the York County School District.

You and your opponent are both baseball fans. Who is your favorite player, and why? (We’re asking you to limit your choices to baseball players who played in your lifetime, i.e. ones you could have seen play.)

This is a tough question. I’ve watched so many great players over the years. But if I had to name one, it would have to be Bill Mazeroski of the Pittsburgh Pirates. One of my fondest childhood memories is watching the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates win the World Series. Mazeroski, primarily known for his glove, hit the walk-off home run at Forbes Field in Game 7, clinching the series for the Pirates. I’ve been a huge fan of him since that day.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

I have kept the promises made to voters in 2010 and will continue to do so in my second term. Together, we have turned our economy around, reformed Harrisburg and put Pennsylvanians back to work in greater numbers than ever before, and invested in our next generation’s education and future at historic levels. With the courage to stay the course, I know we can continue to build a stronger and more prosperous Pennsylvania for our children and grandchildren.

Kristin Phillips-Hill

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do get them passed in the next legislative session?

If elected, I will work for economic growth through less taxes and regulations to create an environment where business and agriculture can create more jobs and opportunities. I will work to reform the school funding formula so that it is fair and equitable. I will work to reform the state pension system. That reform will start with me – I will not take a taxpayer funded pension. Service in government should not be a profession, so I support term limits and will limit my own tenure in Harrisburg to 5 terms. I will work to strengthen Pennsylvania’s human trafficking laws and support measures to increase awareness of the importance of organ donation. I will build positive working relationships with colleagues and always remember that my job is to be the voice of the people of the 93rd and the representative of their concerns and values in Harrisburg.

What proposals, if any, do you support to lower the role of local property taxes to fund schools?

School districts have a spending problem. That spending problem has been created by Harrisburg. We must fix the root causes of the spending problem or school districts will continue to burden taxpayers, regardless of how they are funded. No reform will be complete without these four measures: funding formula reform, pension reform, eliminating unfunded mandates, and eliminating prevailing wage requirements for school districts. As a Dallastown school board director, standing on my record of having worked tirelessly to provide a quality education to students in a fiscally responsible manner without raising taxes, I know that course without these reforms school spending will continue to escalate. In addition to the previously stated reforms, I support HB 76 as the legislative mechanism to reform property taxes. I will work to ensure that it adequately replaces property tax revenue so that passage of this measure is finally secured.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

I empathize with people facing medical challenges that could potentially benefit from medical marijuana, especially children with severe forms of epilepsy. As a parent, I would move heaven and earth to alleviate my child’s suffering. I would be open to the approval of medical marijuana that is in a certain form, such as a pill or oil based medicine, with tight restrictions that require a prescription and physician’s supervision. I do not support the legalization of recreational marijuana since it is a gateway drug that poses health risks, particularly to the developing brain in adolescents.

Who are you supporting in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, and why?

I support the re-election of Governor Tom Corbett. As a former teacher, he has a heart for education that could not be fully expressed due to the state of the commonwealth he inherited. Despite the challenges we have faced, his administration has increased state funding for education, eliminated the inheritance tax on family farms and small businesses, and reduced government costs He has delivered his budgets on-time, responsibly with no tax increases. He understands the problems we are facing and will move us forward in the right direction.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

I am a proven fiscal conservative that has dedicated most of my adult life to public service and our community. I care about people, do my homework, and work hard to get things done. I will place my highest priority on listening to your concerns and making your agenda, my agenda in Harrisburg.

Linda Small

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do get them passed in the next legislative session?

Restoring state funding for education, a fair school funding formula and reversing the cycle of unfair and unsustainable property tax increases are top priorities. As we let the school funding and property tax problems continue to get worse, the effects are felt throughout the community and the economy. A fair severance tax on Marcellus Shale drillers and reversing the over $3 billion in the corporate welfare of special deals and breaks discussed in the next questions will provide the revenue. Increasing the minimum wage to $10.10 and creating good jobs is important; we can create good clean energy jobs and address global warming at the same time. Getting these priorities passed will require working with a Governor who is committed to strengthening schools and the middle class. I will work closely with new Gov. Wolf to help get Pennsylvania back on track.

What proposals, if any, do you support to lower the role of local property taxes to fund schools?

The current tax system is unfair and unsustainable. It is the state’s constitutional responsibility to provide for education, yet Pennsylvania relies more on property taxes to fund education than most states. I will fight to bring the state’s funding share for education back to 50% of the costs. The current funding formula unfairly hurts York County schools and taxpayers because of our population growth; it needs to be changed to be fair to all school districts.
Since 2003, corporate tax breaks have risen from $850 million to over $3 billion today. The state can’t keep giving new tax cuts to wealthy corporations and claim there is no way to fund education and then expect York County taxpayers to make up the difference by paying more out of our pockets.
Current reform bills cut even more taxes from corporations and shift the education funding burden even more onto average homeowners. The bills also have shortfalls in raising revenue for education.
The $3 billion in corporate welfare must be reversed and the revenue used to fund education and slash property taxes.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

Government should not deny a doctor and patient access to medical marijuana to treat illnesses and pain. A relatively new medical marijuana treatment appears to be helping children with severe epilepsy reduce seizures. Government’s role should be to make sure that marijuana treatments are effective and appropriate and not denied to people because the drug is called marijuana.
I support the bill co-sponsored by Senators Folmer and Leach which just passed the Senate. I will support future bills which will treat other health conditions like glaucoma and expand availability of medical marijuana to all who will benefit from it. I support allowing doctors to prescribe the medical marijuana in the form they find best to treat patients.

Who are you supporting in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, and why?

Tom Wolf. He values fairness and he values people; his company shares 20%-30% of its profits with its workers. He shares my commitment to restoring state funding for education and ending our over reliance on property taxes to fund education. He knows that it’s important to educate every child. He knows that Pennsylvania needs to create good, family sustaining jobs, and supports raising the minimum wage to $10.10. He supports worker’s rights to join unions, women’s rights to equal pay and the right of people to be treated equally under the law, regardless of sexual orientation. He supports a 5% severance tax on the Marcellus Shale gas drillers. Wolf knows we must protect our clean air and water while bridging to a clean energy future with good-paying energy jobs. He will have a science based climate plan issued with meaningful targets to reduce greenhouse gas and policies to meet those goals. He won’t let special interests dictate policy; he will do what is right for current and future generations. He will work to restore trust and respect for government. I support Wolf’s plan for a Fresh Start for Pennsylvania.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

My opponent has endorsed Gov. Corbett. But under Corbett and Sen. Wagner, Pennsylvania no longer gets the basics of government right. Schools are cutting teachers and property taxes are rising, yet Wagner voted for the latest state budget that left both problems unsolved. Pennsylvania is near the bottom in job creation and the minimum wage has not been raised since 2007. Pennsylvania has had to borrow money to keep operating less than three months into the new budget because Corbett/Wagner ignored warnings that it was put together with band-aids and unrealistic assumptions.
Pennsylvania must go back to a structurally sound, fiscally responsible government which gets the basics right. My priorities: restoring state funding for education and a fair funding formula to take the burden off of property taxes. Ending the Corbett/Wagner special tax breaks for wealthy corporations and focusing on creating good jobs and strengthening the middle class. Meeting the challenge of climate change and using it as an opportunity to transform our economy and clean our air with renewable energy jobs. Reforming and restoring respect for government. If elected, I’ll help our new governor Tom Wolf to get Pennsylvania back on track.

Tom Wolf

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do to get them passed in the next session?

Pennsylvania is facing some major challenges — we need to create jobs, improve our schools, and get Pennsylvania back on track. We need a different kind of leader to tackle these issues, someone who will bring a fresh start to Harrisburg and change the way we have been doing things.

As governor, I will reinvest in public education, create and attract good-paying, middle class jobs to Pennsylvania, develop a strategy that enables us to benefit from natural gas extraction, and restore trust in government. To accomplish this, I will:

--Level the Playing Field: I will focus on creating jobs and strengthening the middle class by promoting policies that give every Pennsylvanian the opportunity to achieve financial security.

--Focus State Government on Preparing Residents for 21st Century Jobs: I will place a top priority on one of the most important functions of government— making sure Pennsylvania’s education system is second to none and that every child in the commonwealth has access to a high quality public education.

--Leverage the Innate Strengths of Pennsylvania’s Economy: I will work to leverage Pennsylvania’s unique position as a connector between critical sectors of the economy and major population areas by developing a 21st infrastructure.

--Use our natural resources to our full advantage: I believe that Pennsylvania should take advantage of its traditional energy resources to jump-start the new energy economy and modernize infrastructure.

Do you support any specific property tax reform proposals, and how will you attempt to pass them in the next four years?

I know that many Pennsylvania homeowners are struggling with continual increases in property taxes. Governor Corbett’s misguided decision to cut $1 billion in education funding and get rid of a fair funding formula has forced many local school districts to raise property taxes, which puts an unfair burden on seniors and hard working residents.

I believe that the State needs to increase its share of education funding, with the ultimate goal of covering 50 percent of the costs (which will be done in part with a 5% severance tax on natural gas). By increasing funding, we can help alleviate the tax burden on local property owners, and ensure that students have access to the tools and resources needed to succeed in school.

The York City School District is considering converting all or some district-run schools into charter schools, to be managed by outside operators, by the 2015-16 school year, as part of a recovery plan overseen by a state-appointed officer. Do you support the conversion of district-run schools to charter schools? And if not,what legislative or administrative alternatives will you propose or order in office?

I do not support the plan to convert York City schools to charter schools because I believe it fails to deliver on the promise we made to provide a thorough and efficient public education by passing off responsibility.
This situation is the result of woefully underfunding our public education system. If York City schools and other struggling districts across the state were funded adequately, they would not be forced to make drastic changes to their delivery model.

As governor, I will take a different course. While I know we need to improve student outcomes, I do not believe that education reform should be a top down mandate. Rather, I believe we need to work with teachers, educators, and parents across the state to explore how we can address the differing needs of students and families so that they are ready and able to learn.

I know this will be a challenge -- and will require additional state investment in public education through a 5 percent severance tax on natural gas extraction -- but I am looking forward to a partnership that creates meaningful, sustainable change and ensures that all students are prepared for 21st century jobs.

You and your opponent are both baseball fans. Who is your favorite player, and why? (We’re asking you to limit your choices to baseball players who played in your lifetime, i.e. ones you could have seen play.)

Roberto Clemente is one of my all-time favorites because he was a great baseball player -- he could throw a baseball and a javelin beautifully (the latter is a skill that I greatly admire as I was a javelin thrower in high school and college). I am honored that his family has endorsed my candidacy.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

Pennsylvania needs a different kind of leader -- someone who will bring a fresh start to Harrisburg and change the way we have been doing things. I believe I am that leader.

I served in the Peace Corps before getting my PhD; I built a business where we share 20 to 30 percent of the company's profits with our workers; and I served as Secretary of Revenue in Governor Rendell's cabinet where I turned down the perks and modernized operations, directing more taxpayer dollars to critical programs.

Pennsylvania is facing some major challenges and we cannot keep thinking that career politicians can solve them. We need to create jobs, make our schools better, and get Pennsylvania back on track. My experience as a leader and innovator gives me the skills to do this.

I have a different background that uniquely positions me to promote the values we all share. I have real world experience and I know what is needed to attract more businesses to Pennsylvania. Governor Corbett thinks he speaks for business. He doesn’t. I have spent my life creating jobs, and as governor, I will continue to create good paying, middle class jobs in Pennsylvania.

As governor, I will give Pennsylvania a fresh start – I will work to make the Commonwealth the nation’s “Keystone” for economic growth with its abundant natural resources, vibrant agricultural sector, world class universities and colleges, and its ideal location as the transportation and telecommunications hub between the East Coast, Midwest, and world markets.

I will take state government in a different direction with a strategic focus on making Pennsylvania a dynamo for economic development and a magnet for private sector entrepreneurs who will create good, high wage jobs. My fresh start will level the playing field, focus state government on preparing residents for 21st century jobs, leverage the innate strengths of Pennsylvania’s economy, and use our resources to our full advantage.

Kate Klunk

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do get them passed in the next legislative session?

York Countians are feeling the devastating effects of higher taxes (especially property taxes), the looming pension crisis, the need for more family-sustaining jobs, and the disproportionate amount of funding our local schools are receiving from the state. Pension reform, prevailing wage reform for school construction projects, property tax reform, and school funding formula reform are all top priorities. As a member of the General Assembly, my goal is to make York County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. To accomplish this goal, I will use my proven experience, Southern York County values, and community dedication to fight for lower taxes, more economic opportunities, and less government intrusion.

What proposals, if any, do you support to lower the role of local property taxes to fund schools?

I support real, meaningful property tax reform for Pennsylvanians. Our school districts have a spending problem that has been created by Harrisburg and Washington. Reform must include school funding formula reform, pension reform, elimination of the prevailing wage requirement for school building projects, and the elimination of unfunded mandates. I fundamentally support House Bill 76 as a legislative mechanism to reform property taxes. However, we must ensure that HB 76 adequately replaces property tax revenue, addresses funding formula reform, and will not force consumers to purchase goods and services in neighboring states hurting our local businesses.

House Bill 1189 is another legislative mechanism that can provide property tax relief by expanding the tax base to fund our schools. The bill provides local school districts the flexibility to diversify and expand their current tax base to address the needs of their local districts. HB 1189 will allow local school districts to reduce property taxes while ensuring adequate revenue to meet their school funding needs. Education is not one-size-fits-all and the school funding formula should not be either. HB 1189 allows individual school districts to establish a funding formula to best meet their local needs to educate their students without hurting homeowners.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

I oppose the legalization of recreational marijuana and any use of smoked marijuana.

To legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, the U.S. Federal government would first need to take steps to change the current classification of marijuana as a Schedule 1 narcotic. Our local congressman, Rep. Scott Perry, is sponsoring legislation to allow for certain legalization of medical marijuana at the Federal level. Before supporting legalization of marijuana for certain medical purposes, I would want to hear definitively from the medical community about the efficacy of such treatments and the associated risks. If the Federal government were to reclassify marijuana to recognize its potential medical uses and the medical community could provide definitive evidence of the medical benefits, I would support legalizing cannabidiol oil to treat serious medical problems. The cannabidiol oil would need to be prescribed by a doctor and would need to be in a certain form such as a pill or oil-based medicine.

Who are you supporting in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, and why?

I am a proud Republican. Over the past fourteen years, I have volunteered on numerous Republican campaigns, participated as a member of various Republican organizations, and served as a staffer during President George W. Bush’s administration and as an intern for Congressman Todd Platts. As a Republican, I believe that we need a limited government that practices fiscal responsibility and works to lower taxes so that individuals can keep more of their hard earned money. While I do not agree with everything Governor Tom Corbett has done during his first term, as a conservative Republican, I believe that Tom Corbett is the best choice for Southern York County because he shares our Southern York County values -- he is a defender of the sanctity of human life, is endorsed by the National Rifle Association, and has worked hard as our governor to fight for small businesses and family farms.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

I believe the voters of the 169th District want a state representative who will carry a message of fiscal responsibility, personal and professional integrity, and government accountability to Harrisburg. York Countians are feeling the devastating effects of higher taxes (especially property taxes), the looming pension crisis, the need for more family-sustaining jobs, and the disproportionate amount of funding our local schools are receiving from the state.

As a member of the General Assembly, my goal is to make York County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. To accomplish this goal, I will use my proven experience, my Southern York County values, and community dedication to fight for lower taxes, more economic opportunities, and less government intrusion. Additionally, as a member of the state legislature, I will not take a pension, per diems, or a state car.

My experiences working as a private practice attorney, as a Congressional intern for Rep. Todd Platts, and as a trusted member of President George W. Bush’s National Economic Council and Communications teams have prepared me well to serve as State Representative for the 169th District. I promise to use my proven experience and will work hard to ensure our state government is efficient, fiscally responsible, and effectively addresses the needs of all taxpayers.

Scott Wagner

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do get them passed in the next legislative session?

Property tax reform, pension reform and paycheck protection. I will educate other Senate members and lobby them for support of these important issues.

What proposals, if any, do you support to lower the role of local property taxes to fund schools?

I am a co-sponsor of SB76, the Property Tax Independence Act.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

Yes and I voted in favor of SB1182, The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act which the Senate just approved and passed on to the House for consideration.

Who are you supporting in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, and why?

I am supporting Governor Tom Corbett. He walked into a $4 billion dollar deficit in the budget and has been able to get rid of that deficit during his time in office.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

I am the most qualified candidate for this position. My business has given me the opportunity to understand finances, the importance of making fast decisions and being a team leader. I believe in leading by example, which is also why I did not take any of the benefits or perks that come along with this job. I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

Mike Folmer

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do get them passed in the next legislative session?

I will be fulfilling my Promise to Pennsylvania. Please visit my website www.senatorfolmer.com for more information. These are the things I will be continuing to work on going forward in the next 4 years.
Legislative and Political Reform
Taxation and Spending Reform
Legal and Labor Reform

What proposals, if any, do you support to lower the role of local property taxes to fund schools?

Avid supporter of SB76

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

I am the author of SB1182. This would bring cannabis into a true medical environment. It will allow patients (our citizens) to have one more arrow in their quiver to fight their disease. It is their fundamental right and inalienable right to have control of their own health and lives.

Who are you supporting in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, and why?

Tom Corbett

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

When I was first elected to office I promoted the Promise to Pa. Every piece of legislation introduced is tied to this Promise. Which is Legislative and Political Reform
Taxation and Spending Reform
Legal and Labor Reform. I will continue to fight for that Promise to Pa in the next 4 years.

EDUCATION. A first class and world leading education system at all levels (from

Head Start to graduate schools) is an absolute necessity. Education is a key

preventative of poverty and will assist in reducing our nation’s debt. The United

States is no longer the world leader in educating our children because we have

forgotten that when our children do well America’s does well and remains strong.

1b) How will I get them passed? By building alliances on both sides of the

political aisle that share the same priorities, compromising, and creating a strong and

knowledgeable constituent base coupled with my “can do, will do and must do” attitude.

Do you support changing or repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, and what proposals, if any, do you advocate to ensure that people with pre-existing conditions can’t be denied coverage?

I do not support repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010

(“ACA”). The enactment of the ACA acknowledged that affordable and quality health

care should be and NOW is a basic human right. Today, as a result of the ACA’s expansion

of comprehensive health insurance, 25 million more Americans are now being provided

health; pre-existing conditions can no longer be used to deny coverage; children can

remain on their parents insurance until the age of 26 which has reduced the number of

bankruptcies in this age group; people can carry their health insurance from state to state

because there are no longer 50 different sets of insurance laws; market reforms have made

health care coverage more affordable for families and expanded Medicaid eligibility, with

the exception of those states whose Governors refused to implement the expansion; and

the “hidden” tax for health care to the uninsured is now disappearing from those paying

premiums. But the real impact of the ACA is that it has saved lives and has improved the

quality of life for many.

Unfortunately, some congressional members have tried to achieve budget savings or

austerity from Medicare by shifting costs to beneficiaries in the name of “reform”. This

shift would place a higher burden on our Seniors who would have to pay higher co-pays for

services or medicines. They are already living on fixed incomes and I would not support any

repeal to the ACA to make our most vulnerable citizens pay more for their medical services.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

Yes

What would you describe as the top foreign policy failures and successes of President Barack Obama’s administration? And as a member of Congress, what role would you have in those issues in the next two years?

The two biggest failures so far are: failing to close Guantanamo Bay Prison (we cannot

advocate our system to others in the world and then ignore it for the alleged goal of

“safety”) and President Obama’s failure to communicate fully with Congress earlier this year

regarding his initial military strikes on ISIS.

As to his top foreign policy successes: Killing Osama Bin Laden; ending the wars in

Kevin Schreiber

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do get them passed in the next legislative session?

York County and Central Pennsylvania has incredible potential. We are well positioned and poised to take advantage of our location, resources and talented residents. Economic and community development is my background and there are a number of items I want to accomplish. The City Revitalization Improvement Zone (CRIZ) is an incredible economic development tool. A CRIZ designation would benefit York City directly, but indirectly it would benefit York County and the greater metropolitan area by an enhanced tax base, business expansion and job creation. Similarly, York County is resoundingly in favor of legislation to increase its hotel room tax to support tourism development. Hotel tax revenue supports our tourism and hotel industry primarily, but it also leads to improvements in the many cultural and recreational amenities that we all treasure and tout. I will continue the hard work to seek passage of both items. Economic development is directly linked to investor confidence and investor confidence cannot be discussed without property tax reform, this is a pressing issue and priority. Education funding and reform is an absolute priority and also linked directly to property taxes. In 2014, it is shameful that we have such disparate educational opportunities across our Commonwealth. The state must take more responsibility for a fair and equitable funding formula, our districts’ over-dependence on property taxes and the resources needed to educate in impoverished, under-served areas. Finally, as a member of the Energy & Environmental Resources Committee, we need better oversight of the natural gas extraction occurring in the Marcellus Shale region of PA. This is a Pennsylvania natural resource that belongs to all Pennsylvanians. It has tremendous potential for our citizenry and we should all benefit more significantly by its extraction and sale. Further, we should have faith and confidence that gas drilling, “fracking” and extraction is being done so in an environmentally responsible and safe manner.

What proposals, if any, do you support to lower the role of local property taxes to fund schools?

The state government must take more ownership of our school systems and its funding. Modernizing the education funding formula would directly benefit York County by increasing the amount of state funding to our school districts, thus reducing the over-dependence on property taxes. We need to get back to a point where the state is funding education at a greater and more equitable level.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

Yes. SB 1182 overwhelmingly passed the Senate. I strongly support and encourage its debate and vote in the House of Representatives. If passed in its current form, the bill would allow doctors to prescribe a concentrated form of medicinal marijuana to individuals and children suffering from violent seizures thus allowing them a chance for a more normal lifestyle. I believe we should utilize all available science and technology to assist individuals and ease any ongoing suffering. This can be done responsibly and I support doing so.

Who are you supporting in the Pennsylvania governor’s race, and why?

Tom Wolf will make an excellent governor of Pennsylvania and I fully support him. I’ll be blunt, I am a Democrat and so is he. I do believe in person over party and he is an incredible person. His integrity, character and intellect are unmatched. Tom is a successful businessman. He understands what businesses need to be successful and also what policies will help improve Pennsylvania. I believe he will do for Pennsylvania what he has done for York County. He will help lead our Commonwealth forward and best position it for future generations. But make no mistake; it is always good to have a governor from your home county. Tom is the appropriate person to follow in the footsteps of Governor George Leader. I fully support him and hope you will too.

Why should Pennsylvania voters choose you on Nov. 4?

Serving as state representative is an absolute honor and a privilege I do not take for granted. I hope many of you know me well enough to know that I care deeply about our community and work incredibly hard to help improve it. Hopefully, that care is demonstrated daily by my actions. I look forward to the work ahead and I respectfully ask for your support and vote in November. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as state representative.

Scott Perry

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What are your top two or three legislative priorities and what will you do to get them passed in the next session?

As I meet with the people of the 4th Congressional District, it’s clear that the issues at the forefront of their minds are jobs and the economy and national security.

Too many of our fellow citizens feel they’re falling further and further behind – living paycheck to paycheck and worrying about their futures. I’ll continue to work on solutions to build a healthy economy, strengthen families and create an opportunity for every American to find a good paying job.

The House has passed dozens of bills to grow the economy, foster an environment for job growth, reduce our shared national debt, remove duplicative regulations that hinder small businesses, and strengthen and empower families. While some of these measures made their way to the President’s desk, many unfortunately are stalled by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. I’ve also reached across the aisle to introduce bipartisan legislation to address these priorities.

Constituents of all political philosophies have also raised strong concerns about national security, especially the threat posed by ISIS, government surveillance programs and cyber security. While many of us have different opinions on how to address these issues, I’ve worked with my colleagues to find bi-partisan solutions. Specifically, I sponsored legislation with Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii to prevent potential terrorists from entering the U.S., joined with Democratic Rep. Grace Meng from New York City to pass an amendment to increase security for U.S. diplomats, and supported bipartisan legislation to help find the proper balance between protecting our civil liberties and maintaining our national security.

I’ll continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to try and find common-sense solutions and get them enacted into law.

Do you support changing or repealing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, and what proposals, if any, do you advocate to ensure that people with pre-existing conditions can’t be denied coverage?

I oppose the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and have voted to repeal and defund it. President Obama promised that the ACA would cut costs and make coverage more affordable for families. These claims have not held up to the facts. More than a year after its implementation, I’m still approached by families, small businesses and medical professionals who are very concerned about the long-term consequences of this law.
The ACA accounts for more than $525 billion in new taxes on families and small businesses. The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) originally estimated that the bill would cost $940 billion over ten years. That cost estimate has now increased by more than 50 percent. The ACA creates 159 new regulatory agencies and it currently totals more than 13,000 pages of new government regulations. The ACA defines a full-time employee as 30 or more hours a week, creating an incentive for companies to reduce people's hours to 29 or less, thereby hurting job creation.

After millions of Americans lost their health care plans they were promised they could keep, President Obama proposed a variety of one-year delays to the ACA. Instead of politically-motivated “fixes,” we need solutions that solve the underlying problems with our health care system.

I’ve co-sponsored alternative solutions that would increase access to affordable health insurance and encourage private sector competition by allowing citizens to purchase health insurance across state lines, help small businesses pool together to negotiate better rates, expand health savings accounts, tort reform, and guaranteeing protections for those with pre-existing conditions.

Do you support allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana to their patients for medicinal purposes? If so, what specific proposals do you support?

Currently, more than 300,000 children in American suffer from some form of epilepsy. Many of these children experience more than 100 violent seizures a day— any one of which could be fatal without proper care. I’ve introduced legislation, the “Charlotte’s Web Medical Hemp Act of 2014”, to ensure that children and individuals with epilepsy and other debilitating seizure disorders have access to life-changing Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil and therapeutic hemp. This legislation would give individuals access to this potentially life-saving supplement without having to split up families geographically in order to receive treatment.

Earlier this year I was approached by three local families whose children suffer from severe epilepsy. As a father, I can’t imagine how helpless and crestfallen I’d feel to be essentially out of options, without any significant way to help my child; and these families live with this circumstance every single day. Their heartbreaking situations compelled me to act at the federal level to enable their access to a supplement that literally has changed lives. Unfortunately, this plant and its derivatives and extracts are currently banned for medical use at the federal level. This bill in no way federally legalizes marijuana or changes my opposition to the recreational use of marijuana. It also doesn’t legalize all forms of marijuana for medical use. It’s an incremental approach to providing relief to those suffering from ailments that could benefit from CBD oil and therapeutic hemp. This bill removes CBD oil and therapeutic hemp from the federal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. Therapeutic hemp is defined as having no more than .3% THC, which means it has no hallucinogenic effects of traditional marijuana.

These children and individuals like them deserve a chance to lead a healthy and productive life and our government shouldn’t stand in the way.

What would you describe as the top foreign policy failures and successes of President Barack Obama’s administration? And as a member of Congress, what role would you have in those issues in the next two years?

While I haven’t always agreed with the President’s approach to foreign policy, I do believe he has achieved several foreign policy successes. Although it should have occurred sooner, the recent bilateral security agreement with Afghanistan is a positive step to creating long term stability and certainty in that part of the world. Bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice for 9/11 and his countless other horrific crimes was another foreign policy and homeland security success.

The President and I also agree on the need to bolster trade relationships with many of our partners, particularly countries in Europe and the East. While I think in some cases we could work harder or faster to facilitate increased trade opportunities, the Administration’s generally supportive approach to trade has been positive.

On a local front, the Administration’s willingness to explore shipping liquid natural gas (LNG) overseas has the potential to significantly grow Pennsylvania’s economy. I welcomed the final approval to bring online an LNG export facility in Maryland.

I do have several strong concerns with President Obama’s foreign policy, however. I’m seriously concerned with the speed in which we’re reducing our defense budget. I strongly oppose the President’s FY 2015 defense budget proposal, which significantly cuts vital funding for our national defense. For example, the President’s FY15 budget shrinks the Army to its smallest size since before World War II. The Pentagon budget will shrink by more than $75 billion over the next two years. Since our Nation is more than $17 trillion in debt and counting, all government agencies, including the Department of Defense, should be on the table for review. Congress has already agreed to reductions in military spending. But given the challenges in Iraq and Syria with ISIS, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Iran and China – I feel very strongly that the President is seeking to cut too far too quickly.

Second, when U.S. forces withdrew from Iraq in 2011, the Obama Administration failed to negotiate an agreement that would’ve allowed a limited U.S. military presence to help the Iraqis keep extremist groups from filling the power vacuum. Instead, these ultra-radical jihadist groups have grown rapidly in both Iraq and Syria and we are dealing with the consequences today in the form of ISIS.
President Obama finally has begun a serious dialogue with the American people regarding his proposed strategy to combat ISIS. I’m generally supportive of his intent, but we’ve heard tough rhetoric before. The President has said that American leadership abroad has been “constant.” Respectfully, were that true, we wouldn’t be in this position right now. The end result of Libya, Syria and other foreign crises has been, in fact, a breathtaking failure of leadership.

Americans are right to be skeptical about another foreign military operation in this part of the world. There are no good options and some tough questions to answer: 1) Why doesn’t military action of this scope require Congressional approval? 2) Who has command and control? 3) How is success measured? 4) Is the threat defined as a group operating within certain geographic parameters, or as the broader ideology ISIS seeks to spread even further throughout the world? 5) We’re already more than $17 trillion in debt – who’s paying for this? 6) How do we conduct operations in Syria without making the situation even worse, and then being responsible for cleaning it up? 7) When enemy combatants are captured, where will they be held? Our fellow Americans – especially our troops - deserve these answers before we commit any further resources. I want to have confidence in the President’s strategy and his stewardship, but I have strong concerns.

Why should voters of the 4th Congressional District choose you on Nov. 4?

Voters send people to Washington in the hopes they’ll work together to solve the difficult challenges we face as a Nation. In an era where hyper-partisanship seems to be the norm, I’m committed to working with anyone regardless of political affiliation to find solutions to America’s most difficult problems.
That’s why I joined the “No Labels Problem Solvers”, a group of Republican and Democrat members of the U.S. House and Senate who meet regularly to build trust across the aisle and develop solutions for the American people. Being part of this coalition isn’t about any particular ideology, but rather a philosophy. It’s a willingness to search for common ground rather than exploiting areas of conflict.

In addition to joining No Labels, I’ve sponsored several bipartisan pieces of legislation. The terrorist attacks on the embassy in Benghazi have become an incredibly emotional and partisan issue; however, even on an issue like this, I was able to work with Democratic Rep. Grace Meng from New York City to pass a bipartisan amendment to increase security for U.S. diplomats.

In addition to work to find solutions to our Nation’s problems, I take constituent service seriously. My office has helped thousands of constituents address problems with the federal government, including veterans’ issues, taxes, Social Security and Medicare issues. These interactions give me clear and critical insight into how federal laws impact everyday citizens.

I’ve aggressively utilized social media to interact with the citizens I serve. More than 10,000 constituents have signed up for regular updates via my e-newsletter, Facebook and Twitter pages. Social media venues such as these allow me to solicit feedback and provide information on the issues before Congress, while also saving hard-earned taxpayer dollars.

Finally, I’ve been laser focused on addressing our continuing issues of job creation and economic growth. Too many of our fellow citizens feel they’re falling further and further behind – living paycheck to paycheck and worrying about their futures. People want their elected representatives to focus on building a healthy economy and creating an opportunity for every American to find a good paying job. I’ve been working on solutions – without regard to who you are or where you come from - to strengthen families and provide economic freedom and security to hard-working taxpayers.

What changes to the nation’s immigration system do you support, and how would how would you fund the changes?

Over the course of the 113th Congress many constituents have contacted my office regarding our Nation’s immigration laws. First, I will not support a one size fits all approach to immigration reform. However, I do support the notion of smaller targeted bills that address some of the most glaring deficiencies of our immigration system.

The first step in any reform process must be to secure our borders, period. Significant progress must be made on this issue before we take any further steps. No legislation will pass the House until that’s done.

Currently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has no metrics to properly understand the security of our borders. DHS must be forced to establish realistic metrics while using readily-available technology that provide transparency and allow us to properly address areas of concern across our southern border. More than half of the illegal entries, along with most of the illegal drug and human trafficking, take place in a handful of southern border sectors. The U.S. Border Patrol is limited in what it can do in these sectors because they’re on federally designated lands with wilderness or conservation status. That the Border Patrol is limited by federal law on federal land from performing the federal function of securing the border is ridiculous – and must change.

I’ve advocated for legislation in the House Homeland Security Committee to push DHS to gain operational control of our border. Once our border security concerns are met, we can turn our attention to the current immigration system - which clearly is broken.

Dozens of businesses and families in my district have described to me an immigration system that’s outdated, incredibly inefficient and stifles economic growth by drowning businesses with regulations. It promotes illegal immigration by forcing those who want to come to the United States legally to confront a bloated and entrenched bureaucracy that’s almost impossible to navigate.

I do not support amnesty; it’s blatantly unfair to the millions of individuals and families who waited, often for many years, to come here legally. I’ll work toward a new legal immigration system that: establishes verifiable enforcement measures that ensure visitors leave our country when they're supposed to; provides our agricultural industries with the workers they need; requires immigrants to understand and speak basic English; and revises Visa programs to attract and keep more entrepreneurs, investors and highly skilled workers in science, technology, engineering and math fields.

Finally, much has been written about how immigration reform is “good politics” for Members of Congress. That kind of cynical, political pandering is part of the reason why Congress’ approval ratings mirror that of third-world dictators. I’m confident that most Americans, including our Hispanic and Latino citizens, believe we need immigration policies that honor our heritage as both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws. Let’s get the policy right first, regardless of what’s politically expedient, and the American people will decide the politics for us.

Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?

No

Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?

Yes

Do you support capital punishment for certain crimes?

Yes

Do you support any new restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

Yes

Do you support requiring all immigrants in the United States illegally to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

Yes

Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?

Yes

Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

No

Do you support any new restrictions on access to abortion?

Yes

Do you support same-sex marriage?

No

And now an easier question. Are you more of a Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies or Baltimore Orioles fan?

Orioles

Want to expand on your yes/no answers? Feel free to do so here.

Do you support requiring states to implement education reforms in order to be eligible for competitive federal grants?

As an advocate for shrinking the size of the federal government, I support granting state and local governments local control. While the federal government should provide a safety net for children trapped in failing schools, otherwise I feel it should let states and local school districts decide what they teach their students.

Do you support building the Keystone XL pipeline?

The Department of State has said construction of the Keystone Pipeline could create an estimated 20,000 direct new jobs and deliver approximately 83,000 barrels of oil a day, substantially reducing our reliance on energy from unstable sources. This has attracted bi-partisan support, including the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO.

Do you support any new restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?

The new gun laws that have been proposed in Congress would not have prevented new gun crimes. We already have more than 240 pages of federal gun regulations. In 2010, nearly 80,000 Americans were denied guns after providing false information about their criminal histories during the background check. Yet only 44 would-be buyers were ever charged with a crime. We need to get serious about enforcing the existing gun laws before we add new ones.

Do you support requiring all immigrants in the United States illegally to return to their country of origin before they are eligible for citizenship?

I don’t support amnesty; it’s blatantly unfair to the millions of individuals and families who waited, often for many years, to come here legally. I’ve advocated for legislation to push DHS to gain operational control of our border. Once our border security concerns are met, we can turn our attention to the current immigration system - which clearly is broken.

Do you believe that human activity is contributing to climate change?

Human activity is one factor in climate change. To what degree it’s contributing is up for debate. I’m continuously searching for the most current, scientific evidence on climate change to use to balance our nation’s energy needs, while taking thoughtful steps to preserve our environment. I’ve supported legislation for a comprehensive energy policy by: streamlining the federal energy permitting process; reducing government hurdles that block and delay development of our onshore oil and natural gas and renewable energy resources; opening up proven reserves to increased energy production; and encourage development of hydropower, the largest source of clean, renewable energy in the United States.

Do you support the federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions?

Like everyone reading this, of course I want clean air and water for my children and future generations. But I oppose the executive actions President Obama announced as part of his climate change plan. The President’s plan will impose costly new regulations that will stifle job creation, according to local employers. And there’s no evidence the President’s plan will curb carbon emissions globally given the rising emissions of China and other nations. The House has acted as described in the question above; now the President should follow our lead and work with Congress to implement these and other common-sense energy solutions.

Do you support any new restrictions on access to abortion?

I’m pro-life and believe abortion should be illegal except for cases of rape, incest and when the life of the mother is in jeopardy.

Do you support same-sex marriage?

I’m not a proponent of redefining the definition of marriage. I support providing a level playing field for same-sex couples in terms of recognition for tax, medical and benefit purposes and other government services. The choice of who you love shouldn't determine what your benefits are.

And now an easier question. Are you more of a Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies or Baltimore Orioles fan?

That’s not an easy question since I’m a fan of all of them – but I’ll go with O’s, Bucs and Phils in that order.